Ruth Anna Briggeman Zemke was
born at Waco, Nebraska, September
18, 1918 to Robert and Melinda
Briggeman. Her mother passed away
from the flu epidemic when Ruth was 6
days old. Ruth was taken into the
home of her Aunt and Uncle, Ed and
Anna Blum and was raised along with
5 foster brothers and 1 foster sister.
Ruth was baptized at the age of 6
weeks at the United Methodist Church
in Waco, Nebraska and later
confirmed at the St John's Lutheran
Church at Waco on May 15, 1932 by
Rev. George Koslowske. She graduated
from Waco High School in May of
1936.
Ruth was united in marriage on
March 3, 1940 to Charles Zemke of
Newell at the Varina Methodist
Church. To this union two daughters
were born: Phyllis and Sandra.
Ruth enjoyed her gardening,
cooking, flowers and her home,
family, and friends. She was a
member of the Varina Methodist
Church. Newell United Methodist
Church, Newell WSCS and a Charter
member of Varina WSCS. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Newell.
Ruth is survived by her husband
Charles, daughters Phyllis, Mrs.
Eldon Kolbe of Sac City, Iowa and
Sandra Ballou of Rutledge, Missouri
and four grandchildren, David and
Sara Kolbe, Cassandra Ballou, Mrs.
James Tuttle, and Jason Ballou.
She is also survived by her four
foster brothers and one foster sister:
Lawrence Blum of York, Nebraska,
Victor Blum and wife Rose of York,
Nebraska, Norman and wife Dorothy
of Wheatland, Wyoming, Eleanor
Gloystein and her husband Lawrence
of Waco, Nebraska, and one half
brother Paul Briggeman and wife
Thelma of El Monte, California,
nieces, nephews and a host of other
relatives and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her
parents and her foster parents, one
foster brother Alfred Blum and one
foster sister-in-law Renetta Blum.
Ruth will be greatly missed by all
who loved her.